We kick off the week’s rugby action with Round 6 of the 2019 Varsity Cup, with four games taking place on Monday the 11th of March.
The battle for semi-final berths is really starting to heat up with only eight points separating seventh-placed Wits and the third-placed Shimlas.
This week could have a massive impact on the makeup of the ‘top 4’ with second-placed Tuks taking on the aforementioned Shimlas and current fourth-place occupants, Pukke, playing hosts to the fifth-placed Ikeys.
UWC v CUT
UWC Sportsgrounds
16:45
To Win (80 Mins)
UWC 15/10
Draw 25/1
CUT 11/20
HandicapUWC (+4.5) 17/20
CUT (-4.5) 17/20
Our first fixture of the day sees cellar-dwellers UWC play host to second to last side CUT. The hosts are yet to pick up a log point this term and head into this one with a points differential of -104. Their opponents have fared slightly better thus far, and have four points to their names and a far better points differential of -61.
In terms of last week’s results, UWC were hammered 12-70 at home to second-placed Tuks, while CUT enjoyed a bye. The visitors last hit out did end in tears, however, as they went down 15-50 to Maties in Round 4.
Verdict: UWC (+4.5) 17/20
Yes, they were handed a hiding last week but UWC have been competitive in most of their fixtures this term. I can see them finally getting the monkey off their back here and bagging their first win in this year’s tournament.
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Maties v UJ
Danie Craven Stadium
18:30
To Win (80 Mins)
Maties N/A
Draw 35/1
UJ 15/1
Handicap
Maties (-35.5) 17/20
UJ (+35.5) 17/20
We remain in the Western Cape for our next fixture which will see reigning champions and run away log-leaders, Maties, take on a UJ outfit that, while in with a chance of a semi-final berth, really haven’t been at the races this year as their one victory from five games stands testament to.
The hosts racked up their fourth bonus point victory of the season last Monday as they registered a 43-15 victory over a competent Pukke outfit. UJ also enjoyed a solid Round 5 as they beat Wits 39-16 to claim their first win of the season.
Verdict: Maties (-35.5) 17/20
While UJ will have taken a lot of heart from last week’s win, I cannot see them staying anywhere near this handicap. Maties will prove far too good for a UJ side with a number of defensive issues.
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NWU v Ikeys
Fanie du Toit Sports Stadium
18:30
To Win (80 Mins)
NWU 1/8
Draw 30/1
Ikeys 5/1
Handicap
NWU (-14.5) 17/20
Ikeys (+14.4) 17/20
Pukk will be looking to put some space between them and the semi-final chasing pack when they take on a vastly improved Ikeys outfit. Only three points separate the two sides on the log standings so this could prove to be a very cagey affair.
Both teams head into this one off the back of Round 5 defeats with Ikeys going down 50-41 to Shimlas and NWU losing 43-15 to Maties.
When the two sides met in 2018, Ikeys managed to claim a famous victory as they ran out 18-15 victors on their home field.
Verdict: NWU (-14.5) 17/20
I can see NWU exacting some revenge from last year’s defeat. They’re a solid side on home soil, while Ikeys are not the best of travellers.
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Shimlas v Tuks
Shimla Park
19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Shimlas 26/10
Draw 25/1
Tuks 3/10
Handicap
Shimlas (+10.5) 17/20
Tuks (-10.5) 17/20
We close out the round with a clash between the third-placed and second-placed Tuks. Both teams have tasted defeat just once this term with the visitors going down by two points to Maties in Round 3 and the hosts going down by 13 points to NWU in Round 4.
Both teams racked up big scores in Round 5 with Shimlas beating Ikeys 50-41 and Tuks hammering UWC 12-70.
When the two sides met last term, Shimlas came out on top beating Tuks 17-19 in Pretoria.
Verdict: Tuks (-10.5) 17/20
This should be a great game of rugby with both sides in fine attacking form. I can see a late surge from Tuks seeing them past a moderate handicap.
